NIJ FY25 Research and Evaluation for the Testing and Interpretation of Physical Evidence in Publicly Funded Forensic Laboratories

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, administers this funding opportunity to advance scientific research that strengthens the criminal justice system. NIJ’s mission emphasizes the use of rigorous, evidence-based science to inform policy, improve public safety, and support forensic science innovation. This opportunity focuses specifically on enhancing the testing and interpretation of physical evidence within publicly funded forensic laboratories, aligning with broader federal priorities related to law enforcement effectiveness, scientific integrity, and justice system reliability. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support research and evaluation studies that generate practical, actionable knowledge for forensic science practitioners. Projects are expected to evaluate existing laboratory protocols or emerging methods with the goal of identifying best practices, improving accuracy and reliability, and increasing efficiency in forensic operations. The program prioritizes studies that can directly inform laboratory policy decisions or produce immediate operational improvements. Applicants are encouraged to address real-world challenges faced by forensic laboratories and to align their research with needs identified by national forensic science working groups and standards organizations. Funding under this program totals approximately $1.5 million, with up to seven awards anticipated. Individual award amounts are not fixed and depend on the scope and requirements of proposed research projects, with applicants encouraged to propose budgets appropriate to their work. The period of performance is expected to last up to five years (60 months), with projects beginning around January 2027. Funds may be used for research-related costs, including personnel, data collection, analysis, and dissemination, but may not be used primarily for equipment purchases, training services, or casework processing. Cost sharing is not required, as NIJ may fund up to 100 percent of project costs, though voluntary contributions may be included. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing federal, state, local, and tribal government entities; institutions of higher education (public and private); nonprofit organizations; for-profit entities including small businesses; and specialized research organizations such as Federally Funded Research and Development Centers. Applicants proposing work outside of publicly funded forensic laboratories must demonstrate formal partnerships with accredited forensic laboratories to ensure applicability of research outcomes. Collaborative and multidisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged to enhance methodological rigor and practical impact. The application process requires submission through a two-step system involving Grants.gov and JustGrants. Applicants must first submit a standard federal application form (SF-424) via Grants.gov, followed by a full application package in JustGrants. Required components include a proposal narrative, budget detail form, resumes of key personnel, and documentation of laboratory accreditation where applicable. The proposal narrative must address the research problem, methodology, expected impact, and team capabilities. Additional required elements include data management plans, privacy assurances, and documentation supporting research integrity and compliance with federal standards. Applications will be evaluated through a multi-stage review process beginning with a basic minimum requirements screening, followed by peer review based on criteria such as project design, potential impact, team capabilities, and budget justification. Final funding decisions consider peer review results as well as programmatic priorities, geographic distribution, and available funding. Successful applicants will be required to produce technical reports, scholarly publications, and publicly accessible datasets, contributing to the broader forensic science knowledge base. Key deadlines include submission of the SF-424 by June 3, 2026, and completion of the full application in JustGrants by June 10, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to begin registration processes early to avoid delays. For assistance, the Office of Justice Programs provides a centralized response center with phone and email support. Overall, this opportunity represents a significant investment in advancing forensic science through rigorous research, with the goal of improving justice system outcomes nationwide.

Ensure strong research design with clear forensic application; emphasize practical impact on laboratory efficiency and policy; include multidisciplinary expertise and robust data analysis plans